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The Saxon Warrior #3
Brothers of the Sword
An epic battle where heroes fight and die to protect a Kingdom from Viking invasion.. . 991AD
King Aethelred the Unready's Kingdom of the English is threatened. Olaf Tryggvason and his fleet of Viking warships snap at the coastal edges like ravenous wolves, and Sweyn Forkbeard, King of the Danes, has landed in East Anglia with an army of battle-hardened warriors. Ealdorman Byrhtnoth of Essex must stand against them faced with overwhelming odds, forging his legend in the blood of his deadly enemies. By his side, his Thegn, Beornoth, a brutal warrior and savage Saxon fighter is torn between his need to protect his loved ones, and his duty to fight for his Lord. As the Vikings raid and slaughter, Beornoth is forced to fight for the survival of his oath sworn brothers, his Lord, and the Kingdom itself when all roads lead to the fateful Battle of Maldon. Can Beornoth protect his people and survive one of the most famous battles of the Viking Age? A thrilling story, packed with war, vengeance and visceral combat .
King Aethelred the Unready's Kingdom of the English is threatened. Olaf Tryggvason and his fleet of Viking warships snap at the coastal edges like ravenous wolves, and Sweyn Forkbeard, King of the Danes, has landed in East Anglia with an army of battle-hardened warriors. Ealdorman Byrhtnoth of Essex must stand against them faced with overwhelming odds, forging his legend in the blood of his deadly enemies. By his side, his Thegn, Beornoth, a brutal warrior and savage Saxon fighter is torn between his need to protect his loved ones, and his duty to fight for his Lord. As the Vikings raid and slaughter, Beornoth is forced to fight for the survival of his oath sworn brothers, his Lord, and the Kingdom itself when all roads lead to the fateful Battle of Maldon. Can Beornoth protect his people and survive one of the most famous battles of the Viking Age? A thrilling story, packed with war, vengeance and visceral combat .
312 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2023
361 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Peter Gibbons
28 books261 followersI am an author based in Kildare in Ireland, with a passion for Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and of course writing! My books include the Viking Blood and Blade Saga and the Saxon Warrior Series. You can visit my own website at www.petermgibbons.com or find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Peter-Gibbon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 1, 2023
You got to Read this series!!!
Ahh damn that was awesome. Brothers of the Sword is a life war,love,hate an loss so much loss. All are gone Byrhtnoth an all his men all the men that came to fight for England. Beornoths men are all gone he is the lone survivor thanks the Brand a Viking prisoner of Beo an a friend. He has taken him away to??
I must say that Mr. Gibbons hit all the makers. I felt very emotion, I got anger, I cried, I felt love. What will he bring to the table next.
Ahh damn that was awesome. Brothers of the Sword is a life war,love,hate an loss so much loss. All are gone Byrhtnoth an all his men all the men that came to fight for England. Beornoths men are all gone he is the lone survivor thanks the Brand a Viking prisoner of Beo an a friend. He has taken him away to??
I must say that Mr. Gibbons hit all the makers. I felt very emotion, I got anger, I cried, I felt love. What will he bring to the table next.
August 17, 2023
I was originally going to give this 3 stars, but the battle at the end of the book was so moving and heart-wrenching that I had to add one more star.
Although I'm now invested in the life and story of Beornoth to the point where I will continue with the series, I find Gibbons' writing awkward and so repetitive.
Awkward? Yes, awkward, and repetitive. I understand that authors have to write about what happened in previous books in a series for those who haven't read the previous books. However, to have one character tell another character what happened when they were both there when it happened is awkward. Just write what happened as a narrative. Also, did I mention that it's so repetitive? We are told the same things over and over and over in the same book. It's repetitive. Have I mentioned that it's repetitive?
Although I'm now invested in the life and story of Beornoth to the point where I will continue with the series, I find Gibbons' writing awkward and so repetitive.
Awkward? Yes, awkward, and repetitive. I understand that authors have to write about what happened in previous books in a series for those who haven't read the previous books. However, to have one character tell another character what happened when they were both there when it happened is awkward. Just write what happened as a narrative. Also, did I mention that it's so repetitive? We are told the same things over and over and over in the same book. It's repetitive. Have I mentioned that it's repetitive?
February 29, 2024
Favourite of the series so far.
4.25⭐️
4.25⭐️
August 4, 2023
Brothers of the sword the Saxton Warrior third book end with the battle of Malden and OMG if I was not emotionally spent after the end of this book. Many great men were lost in this battle and although Peter Gibbons interpretation of the great poem that depicts the battle gave me time to cool off but OMG… OMG! The book starts with the leader of the stupid Vikings Olaf declaring to his stupid men that he is going to bring war back to England in how weak King Ethalridge is and even mocked the God Jesus Christ. Beornyth has gone north to do business for the king and he is supposed to arrest a traitor and has no idea of the tragedies he will be facing during and at the end of this book. He is still worried about his despondent wife who hasn’t been the same since the Vikings killed their daughters but before it’s over he will have more to worry about like being caught between two warring factions the stupid Vikings and the Danes and oh yes there’s a traitor in their mitts. Someone message me and said I give way too much away in my reviews of these books I want to apologize as I didn’t know that many people read them so I will in my review here and say if you want to read about a fight to the death that was in the end called the battle of Malden with great battle scenes and tragic deaths then you definitely should read this book Peter Gibbons is a genius and an author whose books I love to read. I want to thank BoldWood books and net galley for my free art copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
August 31, 2023
Brothers of the Sword is book 3 in the The Saxon Warrior Series by Peter Gibbons and picks up where the last book left us.. The Vikings are still on English soil… the last battle cost both sides heavily but the Viking’s won’t be deterred that easily.
A lot happened during the last battle and while Beornoth and his fellow warriors fought one threat another, Sweyn Forkbeard, took advantage and now holds a strategic piece of land.. but why have the locals not sent him packing? Were they overwhelmed? Or is something more devilish at play?
Beornoth is sent to learn his plans under a banner of truce, the idea being if he will leave peacefully all the better but you already know that won’t happen.
A few worrying issues appear quickly.. an old foe is brought before Beornoth which shows danger is mounting and an attack could come from more than one direction.. but also there’s a religious angle at play.. Forkbeard is a Christian and many English have had enough of the Church’s influence and the current King.. so are actually in two minds two welcome Forkbeard in the hope this will change things for the better but can a Viking ever be trusted? Would they ever really see the English as anything other than lambs to slaughter?
Beornoth and the other warriors prepare for the war that they know will come and have little time to be with their loved ones..but a worrying thought plays deeply.. the Viking’s are vicious warriors to a man.. the English however do not have the numbers to match.. The Fryd if called upon for numbers are everyday folk.. farmers.. not killers..If the Viking’s come as one there just isnt enough fighting men to stop them but that won’t stop Beornoth doing what he must.
Beornoth has some wonderful development throughout as he is still reeling from his personal terrors.. his two girls killed in a Viking raid and his wife left broken..but you see the ice thaw a little more each time they are with each other.. the pain will never go but can they grow close again?
What I really love is that Beornoth’s power comes from his pain.. the pure need for vengeance plain and simple.. he’s a good man at heart but he would be the first one to admit he just wants to kill these ba****ds to repay what they did to his, and many others families.
Brothers of the Sword is brutal and full of blood and gore but it offers so much more than that..it’s the characters.. the connections.. the men are brothers by blood oath and they will fight till the death to save their people and the place they call home.
Peter Gibbons clearly knows how to weave a tale perfectly with the right amount of balance of plot and character development, paced superbly leaving the reader with a beautifully murderously delicious tale packed fully of detail. Sometimes I can struggle with historical fiction when you can tell an author is purposefully putting detail in.. so much so it stands out as strange and sometimes distracts from the plot.. Gibbons has no such trouble.. its almost effortless how easily he weaves the different aspects together, nothing felt forced or over done.. just marvellous!
Oh and that cover… AMAZING!
Outstanding 5* read from an author I’m eager to see more from.. Clear knows what his readers want and knows how to take it to the next level.
A lot happened during the last battle and while Beornoth and his fellow warriors fought one threat another, Sweyn Forkbeard, took advantage and now holds a strategic piece of land.. but why have the locals not sent him packing? Were they overwhelmed? Or is something more devilish at play?
Beornoth is sent to learn his plans under a banner of truce, the idea being if he will leave peacefully all the better but you already know that won’t happen.
A few worrying issues appear quickly.. an old foe is brought before Beornoth which shows danger is mounting and an attack could come from more than one direction.. but also there’s a religious angle at play.. Forkbeard is a Christian and many English have had enough of the Church’s influence and the current King.. so are actually in two minds two welcome Forkbeard in the hope this will change things for the better but can a Viking ever be trusted? Would they ever really see the English as anything other than lambs to slaughter?
Beornoth and the other warriors prepare for the war that they know will come and have little time to be with their loved ones..but a worrying thought plays deeply.. the Viking’s are vicious warriors to a man.. the English however do not have the numbers to match.. The Fryd if called upon for numbers are everyday folk.. farmers.. not killers..If the Viking’s come as one there just isnt enough fighting men to stop them but that won’t stop Beornoth doing what he must.
Beornoth has some wonderful development throughout as he is still reeling from his personal terrors.. his two girls killed in a Viking raid and his wife left broken..but you see the ice thaw a little more each time they are with each other.. the pain will never go but can they grow close again?
What I really love is that Beornoth’s power comes from his pain.. the pure need for vengeance plain and simple.. he’s a good man at heart but he would be the first one to admit he just wants to kill these ba****ds to repay what they did to his, and many others families.
Brothers of the Sword is brutal and full of blood and gore but it offers so much more than that..it’s the characters.. the connections.. the men are brothers by blood oath and they will fight till the death to save their people and the place they call home.
Peter Gibbons clearly knows how to weave a tale perfectly with the right amount of balance of plot and character development, paced superbly leaving the reader with a beautifully murderously delicious tale packed fully of detail. Sometimes I can struggle with historical fiction when you can tell an author is purposefully putting detail in.. so much so it stands out as strange and sometimes distracts from the plot.. Gibbons has no such trouble.. its almost effortless how easily he weaves the different aspects together, nothing felt forced or over done.. just marvellous!
Oh and that cover… AMAZING!
Outstanding 5* read from an author I’m eager to see more from.. Clear knows what his readers want and knows how to take it to the next level.
August 5, 2023
IAnother book in the Saxon Warrior series. Brothers Of The Sword is a historical fiction story that I was eagerly looking forward to.
Peter Gibbons writes of the past so authentically. I always feel like I could be there with Beornoth. He is the Thegn of Ealdorman Byrhtnoth of Essex, and he is a saxon warrior who is as brutal as he is loyal. This instalment sees him having to choose between his loved ones and his duty to his sworn Lord. Can he survive one of the largest battles of the Viking Age? That is the question.
I always love a great historical fiction story. Peter Gibbons and M.J Porter are two who must do so much research to get everything perfect. I never can tell where the fiction ends and the truth begins, I just love the immersiveness of these stories. Beornoth is the main character in this series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed following his journey throughout the years. From book one to now. He is a multi layered 6 his flaws are clear to see. I like how we can still witness his development even in this book.
The battles are truly brutal, in technicolour too! It couldn't be an authentic telling of Saxon and Viking times if the brutality was in any way watered down. I felt the adrenaline running through me as i read the battle scenes and hoped against hope all would end well.
Another fabulously realistic book from Peter Gibbons. One I couldn't put down for anyone!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook in order to write my honest review.
Peter Gibbons writes of the past so authentically. I always feel like I could be there with Beornoth. He is the Thegn of Ealdorman Byrhtnoth of Essex, and he is a saxon warrior who is as brutal as he is loyal. This instalment sees him having to choose between his loved ones and his duty to his sworn Lord. Can he survive one of the largest battles of the Viking Age? That is the question.
I always love a great historical fiction story. Peter Gibbons and M.J Porter are two who must do so much research to get everything perfect. I never can tell where the fiction ends and the truth begins, I just love the immersiveness of these stories. Beornoth is the main character in this series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed following his journey throughout the years. From book one to now. He is a multi layered 6 his flaws are clear to see. I like how we can still witness his development even in this book.
The battles are truly brutal, in technicolour too! It couldn't be an authentic telling of Saxon and Viking times if the brutality was in any way watered down. I felt the adrenaline running through me as i read the battle scenes and hoped against hope all would end well.
Another fabulously realistic book from Peter Gibbons. One I couldn't put down for anyone!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook in order to write my honest review.
September 1, 2023
I received a complementary advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Going into this book I knew there would some character deaths and some might be my favorites. I was not however expecting to be absolutely gutted by the death of ALL of my favorites but 1. Wulfhere is the one that hurt me the most! He was my number 1 and I wanted him to live so bad. I was happy to see that Brand redeemed himself, at least in my eyes he did. Even though Olaf is the villain I like his character alot. It makes me look forward to the next time installment because I need to see him suffer! I hope what Beo does to him is worse than what he did to Ragnar. Once again I have to say how much I love the author's dedication to include actual historical events and figures and tie them in seamlessly to the story. I feel that with each new installment the books get better and better. If you love The Last Kingdom and Vikings this is definitely a series for you. I'll always recommend this author and series.
Going into this book I knew there would some character deaths and some might be my favorites. I was not however expecting to be absolutely gutted by the death of ALL of my favorites but 1. Wulfhere is the one that hurt me the most! He was my number 1 and I wanted him to live so bad. I was happy to see that Brand redeemed himself, at least in my eyes he did. Even though Olaf is the villain I like his character alot. It makes me look forward to the next time installment because I need to see him suffer! I hope what Beo does to him is worse than what he did to Ragnar. Once again I have to say how much I love the author's dedication to include actual historical events and figures and tie them in seamlessly to the story. I feel that with each new installment the books get better and better. If you love The Last Kingdom and Vikings this is definitely a series for you. I'll always recommend this author and series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
I was so disappointed in the first half of this book. It seemed to be an exercise in "cut and paste". Whole chunks of books 1 and 2 of this saga had been lifted in their entirety, with hardly any new writing interspersed.
I understand that perhaps the author wanted to give new readers some background or explanation about what had happened previously, but who would start to read a series of books by beginning at book 3? A reader, if enjoying the Saxon saga, would surely abandon book 3 and go back to the beginning of the series.
Having said all that, I have to say that the last half dozen chapters and the climax of the finale almost made the irritation of the constant repetition worthwhile. I had already pre-ordered book 4 before I began Brothers of the Sword, otherwise I might not have bothered. However, the climax of the story was exciting, riveting, heart-stopping in places and worth the wait!
I understand that perhaps the author wanted to give new readers some background or explanation about what had happened previously, but who would start to read a series of books by beginning at book 3? A reader, if enjoying the Saxon saga, would surely abandon book 3 and go back to the beginning of the series.
Having said all that, I have to say that the last half dozen chapters and the climax of the finale almost made the irritation of the constant repetition worthwhile. I had already pre-ordered book 4 before I began Brothers of the Sword, otherwise I might not have bothered. However, the climax of the story was exciting, riveting, heart-stopping in places and worth the wait!
August 2, 2023
I love reading about the Vikings and in Brothers of the Sword there is a epic battle to protect the land from a Viking invasion. With blood, gore and tough battles what is not too love but it is so much more than that it's a lesson of our history and I really appreciate it. Some characters I loved and most I didn't but getting to know there underhanded fighting tactics was a eye opening experience. The book is written with knowledge and skills that I loved. If you enjoy books from the Vikings Age then you will definitely need to read this page turner.
March 12, 2025
Well Written, Exciting!
Peter Gibbons has given us a wonderful, well Written, exciting historical story of Saxon life near the turn-of-the-century.
Saxons fighting to keep their land and way of life and Norwegians and Danes to conquer the land from the Saxons, and make themselves the masters.
A must-read for all those who love the thrill of battle and learning about life in an earlier age.
Peter Gibbons has given us a wonderful, well Written, exciting historical story of Saxon life near the turn-of-the-century.
Saxons fighting to keep their land and way of life and Norwegians and Danes to conquer the land from the Saxons, and make themselves the masters.
A must-read for all those who love the thrill of battle and learning about life in an earlier age.
August 5, 2023
Another excellent book
This is another amazing book from Gibbons. With each book, his stories get better and better. He doesn't just write about the battles, but creates characters that you come to care about. He also creates some that you want to climb into the book and fight yourself. I can't wait for the next one!
This is another amazing book from Gibbons. With each book, his stories get better and better. He doesn't just write about the battles, but creates characters that you come to care about. He also creates some that you want to climb into the book and fight yourself. I can't wait for the next one!
August 11, 2023
Another good !book
A well written with good pace which tries to give you a picture of the reality of what life would have been like. So if you like hugs and kisses and not much action it's not for you.
Good book
A well written with good pace which tries to give you a picture of the reality of what life would have been like. So if you like hugs and kisses and not much action it's not for you.
Good book
August 16, 2023
Well executed!
I've enjoyed this series from book one and Brothers of the Sword is a good read for any fan of The Saxon Tales or medieval historical fantasy. I'm looking forward to seeing where the rest of the stores goes.
I've enjoyed this series from book one and Brothers of the Sword is a good read for any fan of The Saxon Tales or medieval historical fantasy. I'm looking forward to seeing where the rest of the stores goes.
August 17, 2023
I learned a lot from this book,
I had no real knowledge of how Saxon England conducted its wars, it was both heartbreaking and rousing - and such a terrible end for so many. This series is brilliant! History & storytelling At it’s best.
I had no real knowledge of how Saxon England conducted its wars, it was both heartbreaking and rousing - and such a terrible end for so many. This series is brilliant! History & storytelling At it’s best.
August 22, 2023
I love this series!
This series is brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed reading of the latest adventures of Beornoth and learning yet more history. The author really does bring it all to life with his wonderful story-telling.
This series is brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed reading of the latest adventures of Beornoth and learning yet more history. The author really does bring it all to life with his wonderful story-telling.
September 24, 2023
3rd book in series and the book was really good but the cliffhanger at the end The Battle of Maldon even its a historic battle this is a fictional book left me feeling hurt inside( best description). I can't wait for the next book.
August 30, 2025
great action. love to see the revenge Beo will take on Goodrich!
Great story and well presented. Makes the Shield Wall come to life. Honor means everything to some and nothing to others.
Great story and well presented. Makes the Shield Wall come to life. Honor means everything to some and nothing to others.
October 8, 2025
Ok, so i feel like the series have improved as we moved thourgh the first 3 books... i still think this is not as good as a Bernard Cornwell book but they getting close. I am so looking forward to the next book.
August 15, 2023
A terrific novel bringing the Battle of Maldon to life
August 21, 2023
the Bei saga is simply unputdownable
Fantastic . Full of highs & lows . Really , a riveting read .
How much more can Beo take … let alone the reader ?
Fantastic . Full of highs & lows . Really , a riveting read .
How much more can Beo take … let alone the reader ?
September 3, 2023
March 2024 is a long time to wait to read the final instalment of this story which I thoroughly enjoyed. Always like to read stories about history in the area I've spent most of my life in(75) years.
September 4, 2023
Quite simply epic!
December 14, 2023
Captivating
If you like books based around Saxons and Vikings then this is for you. I have loved every minute of reading this book and can not wait for the next one.
If you like books based around Saxons and Vikings then this is for you. I have loved every minute of reading this book and can not wait for the next one.
January 10, 2024
to many repeats, a lot in the book is same stuff repeats
March 27, 2024
another one bites the dust
Long winded battle story about Saxon lords who bowed to the church’s power but I guess this would have been the last book if our hero had not survived
Long winded battle story about Saxon lords who bowed to the church’s power but I guess this would have been the last book if our hero had not survived
April 23, 2024
Awesome historical fiction!
Your writing makes the words come alive! I actually picture the battles as I read of them. This is some of the best historical fiction I have ever read.
Your writing makes the words come alive! I actually picture the battles as I read of them. This is some of the best historical fiction I have ever read.
July 10, 2024
War horses
Good, but the description of 14:2 ponies as formidable War horses is laughable.
Shows lack of knowledge or research. Otherwise, a good read.
Good, but the description of 14:2 ponies as formidable War horses is laughable.
Shows lack of knowledge or research. Otherwise, a good read.
October 18, 2024
A remarkable story
I have enjoyed the first three books, will read more.I love stories that use actual historical people and the events of that time.
I have enjoyed the first three books, will read more.I love stories that use actual historical people and the events of that time.
January 25, 2025
Best one so far
What a great read as so heartbreaking but also so interesting. I'm looking forward to carrying on reading this series.
What a great read as so heartbreaking but also so interesting. I'm looking forward to carrying on reading this series.
March 19, 2025
brilliant
Brilliant book and a super ending creating suspense for the last book of the series. Excitement all the way through. Couldn’t put it down
Brilliant book and a super ending creating suspense for the last book of the series. Excitement all the way through. Couldn’t put it down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews